Edition: St. Louis Celebrates the Holidays
Heat it Up
Author: Amy S. Debrecht
Shake off the winter chill with these hot new restaurants.
When the winter chill settles in, you'll find warmth in these hot, new restaurants in the St. Louis area. You'll also find enough variety to spice up any dull winter day. From an upscale sports bar to a new microbrewery to dining with a view of the city, St. Louis restaurateurs have you covered, no matter what your mood or taste. So, bundle up and head out to these new dining sensations.
Whether you dine inside or out on the rooftop patio, you will have a great view of the city at Vin de Set (314-241-8989, 2017 Chouteau), which opened in late June offering an "American twist on a French bistro." reservations are encouraged; make sure you specify whether you prefer indoor or outdoor dining. The atmosphere is warm and lively (the brick walls and candlelight glow lend a cozy feel), though the main dining area can get a big noisy when it's full, with the hardwood floors and smaller space in which 16 tables and booths are set. The menu is such that it is easy to chooise either an exotic Provençal-inspired dish, or a burger. A requirement is the "Say Cheese" platter ($12) as an appetizer, which comes with two cheeses of your choice from among about 15, bread, olives, and pickled vegetables. Of course, Vin de Set offers crepes, and a spinach and sweet onion quiche ($12) which would serve two as a nice side, or one to satisfaction. Fish, beef, chicken, duck, and pork entrees are about $20, and sandwhiches are roughly $8.
If asked to describe the theme of Pujols 5 (314-439-0505, 342 West Port Plaza), named for Cardinals player Albert Pujols and his jersey number, the management would say "magazine-esque." This concept refers to the ever-changing giant photos of great - and current - moments in local and national sports adorning the restaurant's walls. The idea of the typical sports bar that honors the distant past in sports history is definitely not the theme of Pujols 5. The modern and upscale establishment just opened its full service menu on August 29th, 2006, and quite a menu it is. There are plenty of salads, appetizers, burgers, sandwhiches, pasta, seafood, steak, ribs, and desserts to choose from - even a small selection of "Albert and Dee Dee's Favorites," featuring such dishes as chicken flautas and arroz con pollo. Pop in for casual dining in the bar area (which serves the full menu), or reserve a table in the dining room. There are tables arranged in the dining area for private parties of about 10; the restaurant will also accomodate larger private parties. Seafood entrees range in price from $12.50 - $25.50; steaks from $14.95 - $27.95.
First, the décor is delightful: brown and white walls with turquoise panels and green glass fixtures. Dave Brubeck-esque jazz on the sound system is great incidental or centerpiece music. Mira (314-721-6472, 12 N. Meramec) re-opened in late May, after on of the owners divided his previous dining space into two establishments: Mira, for find dining, and Roxane, the bar next door serving lighter fare. Mira offers the kind of eating experience during which you pause and savor and smile and sit back, letting each bite linger. Mira offers a considerable seafood selection, and beef, chicken, pork, and vegetarian dishes as well. For an appetizer, try the asparagus and goat cheese spring rolls. The Cedar Planked Salmon entrée is delicious; the fish is topped with applewood bacon, laid on a bed of fennel mashed potatoes, and encircled with thinly sliced, cooked apples and a light apple puree. Finish the meal with the divine caramel brioche bread pudding doused in cherry bourbon sauce. Appetizers range in price from $6-$14; entrees from $16.95-$24.95; desserts are $7.50.
In addition to his fine dining restaurant, Pomme, this summer owner Bryan Carr opened an informal establishment just a few doors down, named simply, Pomme Café and Wine Bar (314-721-8801, 44 N. Central). The café opens at 7:00 a.m. daily, and the kitchen doesn't close until 10:00 p.m. The menu is simple but varied; everything from yogurt parfait to ribs is offered. For breakfast, you will find quite possibly the best omelet in town. The omelet specials on a recent busy Sunday morning were dill and cream cheese, and carmelized onion and fontina cheese. In addition to fruit smoothies, quiche, muffins, sandwhiches, salads, and desserts, there is a section called "snacks," with offerings such as apples and brie, duck confit with apples, and pork rillettes witht cornichons. If you prefer seafood, you'll find oysters, crab, smoked fish, and shrimp, too. there is also a kid's menu, including the popular scout food, "ants on a log" ($2). Bottom line: if you don't find something you like on this menu, you can confidently call yourself picky. Omelets are $7, with sides of fresh fruit; sandwhiches are roughly $9; and snacks are about $7.
The restaurant Five (314-535-5553, 4317 Manchester) is named for the five senses, all of which the owners and chefs encourage patrons to use when dining there. Five, opened in mid-June of 2006, offers a hip, minimalistic atmosphere and menu, which changes daily depending on what's in season and what's appealing at market. The resturant is described as "an American bistro with a European feel." Most everything is grown locally and organically; this, added to the location of the restuarant in the developing Forest Park southeast area and the "come as you are" dress code, lends a community feel to Five. So, even though it's fine dining, with professional wait staff, diminutive and well-presented portions, and eclecti ingredients, you get the feeling you're eating dinner at your-friend-the-chef's house. Do not leave without trying the garlic gnocchi. Prices range from $4 for a salad to $22 for an entrée.
Anheuser Busch. Lemp. Schlafly. And now William D. Alandale Brewing Company (314-966-BREW, 105 E. Jefferson), whose name is an amalgamation of the names of its six owners. The microbrewery/restaurant opened in Kirkwood in June 2006, and offers casual and family-friendly dining with an eclectic menu, and of course, a selection of its own brews. Choose from blond, amber, Vienna lager, oatmeal stout, American IPA, or doppelbock. For something a litter different, try a beer cocktail ($5). The "blueberry muffin," a blend of blueberry vodka and a pale brew, is highly recommended. To start, try the "inside out guacamole," a plate of crispy wontons filled with guacamole ($7.50). You'll find traditional menu offerings such as salads, pastas, and steak and chicken entrees, along with lamb, pot roast, and grilled trout. The menu is boudn to please everyone, from vegetarians to children, and the fun, bright atmosphere will lift your spirits while you down some spirits. Appetizers range in prince from $5-$19; entrees from $15-$29.
Five
4317 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63110
